By John Ogunsemore
The member representing Kaduna North federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bello El-Rufai has debunked rumours that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his Kaduna residence.
The federal lawmaker, who is the eldest son of former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday.
There have been reports making the rounds that EFCC uncovered $800 million and N700 billion cash as well as N1 trillion worth of drugs at the lawmaker’s residence In Kaduna.
In his statement, El-Rufai said he does not own a personal residence in Kaduna but rather lives in their family home in Unguwar Sarki, which has been his home from birth.
The lawmaker said the unfounded allegation was nothing but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, tarnish his reputation, and sow the seed of confusion.
“My constituents that I represent know what will happen if I was blessed with such figures.
“For those sponsoring these ignorant attacks, I assure you that we will continue to serve the people, and we will continue to enjoy how it annoys them; adding quality, frank, and honest representation is here to stay in Kaduna North,” he said.
El-Rufai said the use of fake news to manipulate public perception and instigate discord against him would not work, stressing that the attempt to connect him to illicit activities through unfounded allegations was not only defamatory but an affront to the principles of justice and fairness.
He vowed to initiate legal action against the media outlets used to push the rumour.
The EFCC also denied raiding the lawmaker’s residence.
In a terse statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, the anti-graft commission said the report titled, “EFCC Discovers $800 Million, ₦700 Billion Cash, and ₦1 Trillion Worth of Drugs at Nasir El-Rufai Son’s House in Kaduna” is a “false narrative”.
“This piece of news quoted above is a false narrative of the activities of the EFCC.
“Members of the public are enjoined to ignore it,” the commission said.
